Multifunctional finishing of cotton fibers using silver nanoparticles via microwave-assisted reduction of silver alkylcarbamate

Abstract

Smart materials with multiple functions have been highly desirable. The in situ synthesis and integration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into cellulosic fibers adds novel functions and extending their potential applications. Herein, we report a novel method toward green development of film containing AgNPs to introduce multifunctional cotton with antibacterial activity, electrical conductivity, superhydrophobicity, catalytic activity, ultraviolet blocking and coloration properties. The synthesis of AgNPs was performed using the facile pad-dry-cure adsorption methodology of silver N-(2-ethylhexyl)carbamate aqueous solution, followed by microwave-assisted reduction of silver ions (Ag+) on the fibrous cotton surface. The in situ generation of silver nanoparticles onto cotton fabrics were enhanced by plasma pretreatment. The morphologies of the developed multifunctional cotton were studied by Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and elemental mapping. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was also utilized to investigate the morphology of the synthesized AgNPs. The colorfastness and coloration measurements of the AgNPs-coated fibers were investigated. The colored cellulose fibers demonstrated an improved antibacterial activity to S. aureus and E. coli pathogens. Furthermore, AgNPs/cellulose showed excellent electrically conductive and superhydrophobicity, as well as photocatalytic self-cleaning.